The Team

Craig Smeaton

Head Trainer & Director

Craig, a knowledgable breeder and expert dog trainer, has over three decades of experience in the industry. His love for animals began at an early age when he was raised in the New Forest, surrounded by his parents’ German Shepherds. Craig’s passion for caring for dogs inspired him to become a breeder himself, a career he has excelled at for over 30 years. After completing his studies at Agricultural College, Craig spent several years farming livestock before venturing into the security business in the early 90s. During this time, he trained and bred security dogs, providing security solutions to businesses across the UK. In 2000, Craig returned to his roots, farming and breeding German Shepherds on his own smallholding. It was during this time that he was introduced to the world of IGP and Dog Sport, which he quickly developed a passion for. Craig now runs his training facilities from a dedicated site in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where he provides expert care and training to dogs and their owners.

Kate Smeaton

Trainer

Kate has been involved with dogs her whole life. Her father was a security dog handler and there were always plenty of dogs around the family home in Hampshire. Kate’s passion for animals inspired her to run a smallholding in Scotland while raising her family. Kate married Craig in 1991 and together they ran a security business as well as breeding German Shepherds and Rottweilers. They now live on a farm in Wiltshire together with their family. Kate utilises her extensive experience and knowledge to ensure Vonkebles achieve the best possible outcomes with even the most challenging of dog behaviour. Together Craig and Kate have gained many 5-star reviews from happy clients across the U.K.

Amie Brighty

HR & Administration

Amie grew up on her parents’ farm with animals. Always keen to help take care of the puppies and horses. She developed her career in childcare, Spending over 10 years working in various roles such as a safeguarding office and a deputy manager. Since having her own family Amie decided to start a new venture of working alongside her family managing the organisation and communication side of Vonkebles.

Darrel Smeaton

Trainer

Darrel was brought up on a farm with his parents breeding German Shepherds and from a young age helped out with taking care of the animals. Darrel finished school and joined the army. After his time in the army Darrel then returned to helping run the family kennels and training dogs. He has found a love for dog sport and enjoys working alongside dad Craig to train his dog in IGP dog sport.

Lucy Maidment

Trainer & Head Groomer

Lucy grew up around animals and they have always been a big part of her childhood. Having successfully completed three years at Sparsholt College studying animal management where she gained valuable knowledge and experience in kennel management, training and behaviours of animals. Lucy continued her studies and qualified as a dog groomer and now has her own dog grooming business.

Megan

Kennel Assistant

I studied Animal Care Level 2 at college, completing a one-year hands-on course at the AMC where I gained experience working with a range of animal species. After completing my studies, I worked on a farm developing my practical skills and spent time working with dogs before joining vonkebles, where I help care for the dogs and maintain the kennels to keep them clean and safe. 

Being part of an environment focused on dogs has strengthened my passion for working with them. I’m now looking forward to continuing my journey with animals by studying Animal Grooming at Sparsholt.